Fit-out industry associations enter merger talks

December 3, 2012

The Association of Interior Specialists (AIS) and the Federation of Plastering and Drywall Contractors (FPDC) – the two leading bodies representing fit-out professionals – are in talks to merge and form a new combined organisation.

The two bodies have said that the early-stage talks are aimed at creating a new representative organisation for professionals to demonstrate leadership across the sector and enhance value for their members.

AIS president, Jonathan Cherry, said that the talks have been pushed to action by Lord Heseltine’s ‘No stone unturned in pursuit of growth’ report, which addresses the existence of trade associations and the role they play within the economy.

“Both AIS and FPDC recognise that in order to truly represent the interests of our industry and that of our members we need to have a united voice,” Cherry explained. “A merger would create a more representative and effective organisation, with greater influence to address the key issues that our sector faces.”

The FPDC’s Angela Mansell added that there was no better time to discuss the potential of a merger.

She said, “With both organisations having similar interests, a merger would bring together the best of the two companies to create a more robust organisation, better positioned to tackle industry issues going forward.”